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Lifestyle // Women's

Seeing Things: Hervé Van Der Straeten’s STRUCTURE/S at Ralph Pucci Gallery

Seeing Things: Herve Van Der Straeten STRUCTURE/S

Miroir Lollypop, Hervé Van der Straeten, 2012 Plexiglas, gilt and black patinated bronze frame, curved mirror Limited edition of 60

French designer Hervé Van Der Straeten debuts his new exhibition STRUCTURE/S in New York, at the Ralph Pucci Gallery, from January 31 to May 15. It will be a unique occasion to discover Hervé Van Der Straeten’s latest designs as well as iconic pieces, including his famous curved mirrors and newest consoles. Centered on a collection of furniture, lighting and objects, the exhibition examines Hervé Van Der Straten’s work, bringing to the forefront the precision of the designer’s constantly renewed exploration of volumes, contrasting materials and combining textures.

Seeing Things: Herve Van Der Straeten STRUCTURE/S

Console Partition, Hervé Van der Straeten, 2012 Plexiglas, red edges Limited edition of 60

Seeing Things: Herve Van Der Straeten STRUCTURE/S

Bout de canapé Inclination, Hervé Van der Straeten, 2012 Faded burnt orange lacquered wood top and bronze

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Lifestyle // Women's

NM @ Haute Couture Fashion Week, Part 2

Ines’ office at Vivier

Ines’ office at Roger Vivier.

My couture week kicked off on Monday morning with a showroom appointment at Roger Vivier. In true Parisian style their flagship located on the famed Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré also houses their showroom and offices of creative director Bruno Frisoni and in-house muse, legendary supermodel Ines de la Fressange. Bruno transformed his studio using silver foil to mimic Andy Warhol’s famed Factory as the backdrop to show his mod spring/summer 2013 couture collection. He modernized classic shapes and couture techniques – such as Lesage embroidery – using fur, metal, feathers and bright colors. Ines opened the doors to her pink office/treasure trove and was on hand to speak about Bruno’s latest masterpiece collection for Vivier.

With Roger Vivier Creative Director, Bruno Frisoni.

With Roger Vivier Creative Director, Bruno Frisoni.

Pink mink spring/summer 2013 couture accessories

Pink mink Roger Vivier couture accessories.

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to Azzedine Alaia. You never know what will stand behind the boutique’s ironclad doors, such as, in my case, famed French actress Catherine Deneuve waiting with two other women outside the communal changing room for Mr. Alaia to finish an ever-important couture fitting. The building houses the world’s only Alaia boutique, showroom, atelier, countless works by artist Julian Schnabel and serves as one of Azzedine’s many Parisian homes.

Bruno’s Warhol factory-inspired studio.

Bruno’s Warhol factory-inspired studio.

On Wednesday evening it was time to play dress up with jeweler Eddie Borgo and his pre-fall 2013 collection. Borgo was showing his latest pieces for men and women in a temporary Parisian showroom located just across from Roger Vivier; he even had a few of his stunning jewelry boxes on-hand to showcase alongside his latest baubles. This season, Eddie has added new designs in silver, gold and rose gold and has reinterpreted classics like his ever-popular cone bracelets and tassel necklace in new sizes and colors.

Eddie Borgo pre-fall 2013

Eddie Borgo Pre-Fall 2013.

Whether it be fashion or art, culture is ubiquitous in Paris. On Thursday once couture had concluded it was time to visit Galerie Perrotin. On view were three distinct shows by artists Johan Creten, Jean-Michel Othoniel and Pieter Vermeersch. The later is an abstract painter while the former two are both sculptors. A favorite moment of mine, however, came when seeing the adorable artist toys by KAWS and Takashi Murakami in the gallery owner’s office.

Artist toys by KAWS and Takashi Murakami at Galerie Perrotin

Artist toys by KAWS and Takashi Murakami at Galerie Perrotin.

Sculpture at Galerie Perrotin by Jean-Michel Othoniel

Sculpture at Galerie Perrotin by Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Paris’ Left Bank is home to famed taxidermy mecca, Deyrolle, where they offer stuffed and dried animals ranging in sizes from tiny bugs smaller than a centimeter to a giraffe or elephant. Their entire back room devoted to butterflies and insects transports you into what feels more like the mind of artist Damien Hirst than a room filled with dried bugs. The shop has been around for almost two hundred years and serves as a unique source of inspiration for designers looking to learn more about the wild.

Zebras at Deyrolle

Zebras at Deyrolle.

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Lifestyle // Women's

Seeing Things: “Impact” 50 Years of the CFDA

BILL BLASS, Fashion Institute of Technology / SUNY, FIT Library Dept. of Special Collections and FIT Archives

BILL BLASS, red cashmere cardigan and red silk satin long skirt, 1984, USA, gift of Bill Blass, Ltd.Fashion Institute of Technology / SUNY, FIT Library Dept. of Special Collections and FIT Archives.

This season the Boca Raton Museum of Art honors the illustrious designs created by members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA is the first museum exhibition to celebrate the quintessentially American artistry of the leading fashion trade organization in the United States. On view from January 29 through April 21, 2013, the exhibition includes garments and accessories by the most impactful creators of the last fifty years.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA, spring 2012, USA, Photograph MFIT / CFDA

OSCAR DE LA RENTA, silk taffeta gown with black Guipure lace bodice, spring 2012, USA, lent by Oscar de la Renta. Photograph MFIT / CFDA.

Featured in the exhibition are interactive touchscreen displays that illustrate a timeline of American fashion and recognize the nearly 600 designers who have been members of the CFDA over the last five decades. Each living designer selected to participate in the exhibition has chosen a single object or ensemble that best represents his or her impact on the fashion world. Work by historical CFDA members have been selected by exhibition curators, Patricia Mears, deputy director of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, and Fred Dennis, the FIT museum’s senior curator.

MICHAEL KORS, cashmere sweatshirt, hemp crystal beaded pajama pant, leather belt, and platform sandal, spring 2011, USA, Photograph MFIT / CFDA

MICHAEL KORS, cashmere sweatshirt, hemp crystal-beaded pajama pant, walnut leather belt and platform sandal, Spring 2011, USA, lent by Michael Kors. Photograph MFIT / CFDA.

“American designers have always had impact on how people dress,” said CFDA president, Diane von Furstenberg. “In honor of that creativity and in celebration of the CFDA’s 50th anniversary, we are proud to present, in partnership with the Boca Raton Museum of Art, an exhibit that represents the tremendous work of our members for the last five decades. ‘Impact’ was the one word that came to mind immediately – it is so strong and defining of our individual and collective influence that we knew right away that our exhibit would be called Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA.”

HALSTON, 2-piece evening dress comprised of wrap blouse in red silk organza with bias self ruffles along neckline and down length of sleeve worn over full length black wrap tulip skirt in satin back crepe, skirt falls to handkerchief point at CB hem, and two coordinating/satin ribbon sash belts in two color ways: black and red. Fashion Institute of Technology / SUNY, FIT Library Dept. of Special Collections and FIT Archives.

HALSTON, evening wrap blouse in red silk organza, tulip skirt in satin black crepe, and satin sash belt, Fashion Institute of Technology / SUNY, FIT Library Dept. of Special Collections and FIT Archives. Photograph MFIT / CFDA.

Among the designers included in the exhibition are Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Alexander Wang, Norma Kamali, Diane von Furstenberg, and Vera Wang.

bocamuseum.org

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Lifestyle // Women's

Out of Office: Lisa Marie Fernandez in Bali

Out of Office: Lisa Marie Fernandez in Bali

Bayugita Estate in Ubud.

New York-based swimwear designer Lisa Marie Fernandez kicked off the New Year with a spiritual journey through Bali.   She transports us to her paradise.

To Do: Lots! White-water rafting on the Ayung River in Ubud. Surfing on the Bukit peninsula. Shopping all day long in Seminyak. Dine at the many restaurants and visit a spiritual healer.

Out of Office: Lisa Marie Fernandez in Bali

Lisa Marie Fernandez Resort 2013 Poncho.

To See:  Fly to the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok and visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Borobudur Temple in Java.

To Stay: The most beautiful retreat in the world, Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri in Ubud. It’s nestled in the mountains and is the most magical place on earth.

Out of Office: Lisa Marie Fernandez in Bali

Pool at Villa Bella.

Out of Office: Lisa Marie Fernandez in Bali

Bathtub in the Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri in Ubud.

To Eat: Metis for French, La Lucciola for Italian and glow, located in the heart of the Como Shambhala Estate, for delicious raw dishes.

To Pack: Lisa Marie Fernandez swimwear and caftans. Sun protection, sandals, one pair of sexy Alaia high heels, iPod and few pairs of sunglasses.

Out of Office: Lisa Marie Fernandez in Bali

Lisa Marie Fernandez "Poppy" bikini in Rust Pucker.

To Wear: Lisa Marie Fernandez bikinis, maillots, terry ponchos, caftans and shirtdresses. Marios Schwab X Ancient Greek Sandals.

Out of Office: Lisa Marie Fernandez in Bali

Marios Schwab X Ancient Greek gladiator sandals.

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Lifestyle

On Set: The Resort Book on the French Riviera

Location, location, location. What they say about real estate also holds true in fashion photography. While the product is every bit as glamorous, creating those fantastical images was nothing short of hard work, carried out by a team of 13 pros—art directors, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, assistants, and models—who traveled from far-off places to the French Riviera and Monaco for a fashion shoot spanning five captivating days.

The famed Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, which sits on 17 acres located between Nice and Monaco, was the site of the first day of shooting. The rocky shore just below would mark the staging area overlooking the Mediterranean. While photographer Alistair Taylor-Young prepared for the day’s shoot schedule, model Sigrid Agren was coiffed by hair and makeup artist Pedro Pianto before hours of her standing stock-still in various challenging, yoga-like positions with a circlet of fresh flowers on the Martinique beauty’s head.

The second day of shooting took the team to the coastal mountain range Massif de l’Esterel. There, NM art director Lori Stadig instructed French workmen to haul a white wall onto the beach, an idea that was, at first, lost in translation. (A wall on a beach? Je ne comprends pas!) Also nonindigenous to the coastline was the espresso maker plugged into a generator and perched upon the rocks, providing an early morning jolt before the cameras started clicking again for Sigrid.

A change of theme, from floral romanticism to graphic intensity, was witnessed at yet another venue, the Monaco Heliport, where Polish model Zuzanna Bijoch had her moment on the helipad cantilevering the azure sea, as well as hours spent in the Nice Harbor, poised atop its flat-planed slabs of rock. Making the last day truly something of legend—even among world-traveled models—was the Bubble House, or “Palais Bulles,” Pierre Cardin’s former domicile, built in 1989. Designed by renowned architect Antti Lovag, the pod-house, with its panoramic views of the Mediterranean, was where Zuzanna beautifully shaped the looks pictured in the Evening Odyssey feature.

Images snapped by Stadig, Taylor-Young, and NM associate art director Devin Hall from their time in France. 

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Lifestyle // Women's

Full Disclosure: Erin Wasson

Full Disclosure: Erin Wasson

You’re penning an autobiography. What’s the title? Unbridaled on Horseback

Your idea of perfection? A day without a schedule

The greatest lesson you ever learned from a child? It’s certainly not always about you

What talent do you wish you had? The most extraordinary jazz musician piano player with a decent voice

Greatest fear? People finding out my greatest fear, whatever that is

If not your current occupation, what would you like to be? Food critic

Cat/Dog/Bird/Fish? Dogmatic

If you could be any one person for a day, who would it be? David Quadrini

what puts you in a creative mood? My records

What is your most treasured possession? My brain

What is something about you that nobody would guess? I’d rather sleep in a tent than a 5-star hotel

Favorite indulgence? Dissipating into thin air when the mood strikes

If you could rewrite your history, what one thing would you change? Nothing on my end

Which artist do you most admire? Erick Swenson

What would you do with one extra hour in your day? A dip in the ocean

What is the first concert/musical performance you attended? Tricky at Trees

Your most annoying habit? An occasional excess of opinion

Which single piece of art do you wish you’d created? Falling waters house. Then I’d be living in it.

How would you like to be remembered? Like a shredding star on a warm balmy night

Secret junk food vice? McDonalds’ french fries

If you had to pick your theme song, what would it be? Jonathan Richman “Because her beauty is raw and wild”

Full Disclosure is a recurring feature in The Book by Neiman Marcus. 

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Lifestyle // Men's

Ten Things: On Matthew Singer’s Gift List

MATTHEW SINGER

1. A Vacation!  For me and my wife. I think she could use it more then me, but I have no problem tagging along. Mexico?

2. I love the NM cashmere socks. So while I’m picking up some for myself, I’ll grab a few pairs for my dad.

3. Daddy needs a new pair of Magnani for Neiman Marcus shoes!  I have a store credit burning a hole on my pocket.

4. For my twin bro, I figure I would just let him shop my closet. It’s hard to part with certain pieces, so I’ll have to edit before I let him have at it.

5. Christmas morning PJs complete with a goodnight story for the little guy.

6. Obsessed with the J9 One Touch Automatic Coffee Center!  Santa are you listening??

7. I’m not sure who yet, but someone is getting a piece of coal in their stocking.

8. 77,500 Frequent Flyer Miles to my little sister. To get her over the pond for a semester abroad in London. Enjoy it Casey!

9. I’ve always wanted to try some goodies from the NM epicure catalog. I’m sure my mom would love to cook a little less this season.

10. For my older brother I think I’ll get him a mix of things from the store. He could use a pair of 3×1 Jeans, a Neiman Marcus cashmere sweater and maybe some Jack Black product.

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Lifestyle // Beauty // Women's

Ten Things Ana Maria Pimentel Plans To Give & Hopes To Get!

amp

To Receive:

1. Celine – The Edge Bag in black and safety orange!

2. Pineider Stationery from Florence, Italy.

3. An advanced copy of Season 3 of Downton Abbey

4. Valentino Rockstud Flap Clutch Bag in Fuchsia

5. The Stuart Weitzman Perfect Riding Boot

To Give:

6. Maison Kayser Pastries – the perfect house warming gift for a holiday party!

7. Altuzarra Shaker and Double Old Fashioned Glasses from the Neiman Marcus + Target #Holiday24 Collection

8. Eddie Borgo Pave Door Latch Cuff

9. Band of Outsiders Cookie Cutters from the Neiman Marcus + Target #Holiday24 Collection

10. Neiman Marcus Cashmere hat for my daughter Olivia.

 

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Lifestyle

On Set: NM Flagship Holiday Windows

On Set: NM Flagship Holiday Windows

NM Flagship decorated for the holidays.

On Set: NM Flagship Holiday Windows

Flagship holiday windows.

The oohs and aahs of the holiday season come to life in the window display at the Neiman Marcus flagship in Downtown Dallas.  Since 2009, Ignaz Gorischek, VP of store development and Dallas-based artist Larry Leathers have collaborated on the design. “This year the window experience will take children through a maze of words and sounds brought to life through animation, sound and visual highlights. VROOM, WHEEEE and BRRRRR are just a few examples of what the children can experience,” says Gorischek.

On Set: Holiday Windows

Snowflakes turning in the holiday windows.

The idea of allowing children to enter the window become a physical part of the design in 2009 and has been an integral part of the display since then. Gorischek and Leathers have continued to create and design the windows through the interpretation of children and their imaginations.   Each  year concept discussion starts in May and design goes through November.  ”Working with ‘the tube’ has been an interesting process. The sheer size of the thing snaking through the space forces you to get creative with the design,” says Leathers. Navigating the space once the tube is installed, requires the skill of an acrobat. There are twenty three closed circut cameras and monitors plus a custom sounds system that must be installed.  ”It is like building a ship in a bottle,” says Leathers.

On Set: Holiday Windows

Inside 'The Buzz' window.

Once the windows are unveiled, one might find Leathers handing around anonymously on the sidewalk, watching and listening to people’s reactions. He considers this the best test for success.  ”I will never forget when he I was a child and saw the first animated elf hammering a toy rocking horse in a department store window.  I want to recreate that feeling in every child that sees the Neiman Marcus windows,” says Leathers.

On Set: NM Flagship Holiday Windows

Santa waves "hello" in the window.

View the holiday windows and bring children to crawl through the tubes in downtown Dallas now through the New Year.

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Lifestyle // Beauty // Women's

Ten Things Blogger On The CUSP Emilee Anne Plans To Give And Hopes To Get!

To Receive: 

1. Voluspa Laguna Candle

2. Valentino Rockstud Driving Gloves

3. Lele Sadoughi Pave Bead Slider Bracelet

4. Michael Kors Slice Ring

5. Help donate, foster or adopt a kitty! ASPCA New York.

To Give:

6. Dior Nail Polish in Bar Lucky

7. Panacea Faceted Drop Earrings

8. Tory Burch Fox Studded Bracelet

9. Kate Spade Taxi Mittens

10. “The Book of Mormon” Broadway Tickets

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